It seems as quickly as it arrived, the apple picking season is coming to an end. Our Red Delicious, Empire and Fuji trees still have a bit of fruit left to pick and our market is stocked with Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, Cortland, McIntosh, Russet and Pears, however, this will be the last weekend we are open to the public. We will remain open until Halloween with a selection of carving pumpkins, squash, and ready-picked apples. Visitors are free to enjoy a walk around the property, explore the corn maze and take in the sights of the season. We hope to see you at the orchard!

Today is the last official day for apple picking at Nature's Bounty. Much of this year's crop has been picked by our visitors and the crew is spending the day cleaning up what's left. For the rest of the season, you may find a few odds and ends in the orchard if you don't mind a bit of walking. For those interested in pre-picked apples, we will have Honeycrisp, Empire, Cortland, Spy, Golden Russet and McIntosh in stock at the market.

The pumpkin patch will be open until closing day on October 31, with plenty of carving pumpkins left to choose from. There is also an assortment of colourful squashes pumpkins available at the market. We even have a few giant pumpkins left if you're looking for a showstopper for your Halloween display!

Much of the GTA got its first taste of winter this week with cold temperatures and a light dusting of snow. The frost hasn't affected the apple crop and we are still picking many varieties. As the season winds down, we hope to get as many apples off the trees as we can and expect our committed customers to be out in full force this weekend! Here's a guide to what's picking this weekend:

• Ambrosia: We still have a bit of Ambrosia left but they won't last much longer.
• Northern Spy: Spies for Pies! The classic baking apple is now available at the farm market and on the trees.
• Empire: These crisp, juicy apples appear deep purple on the trees but polish to red when picked. Bursting with flavour, Empire can also be used for baking
• Red Delicious: A perennial favourite, Red Delicious are best enjoyed freshly picked! Their impressive size and dark red colour are stunning.
• Idared: This late season variety stores particularly well. Keep them in your cold room and bring them out in December. Their flavour mellows with time.

We have pre-picked Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Northern Spy, Ambrosia, Cortland and Russet available at the market. Also picking this week is the last of the Honeycrisp, Crimson Crisp, Red Delicious, Crispin (Mutsu), and Fuji! Ask us where to find them.

The last vestiges of summer are fading away and autumn is in the air. As the days get shorter and the cooler, nothing completes the feeling of fall like a visit to the orchard. Take a drive along a country road and soak in the vibrant colours of the changing leaves. Stop by Nature's Bounty for the season's best apples, a cup of warm cider and enjoy the crisp fresh air before the moment passes. There is plenty left to pick this weekend, including a few of our favourites:

• Ambrosia: One of the best eating apples of the season, we have plenty of Ambrosia available for picking.
• Northern Spy: Spies for Pies! The classic baking apple is now available (pre-picked only) at the farm market and the front gate this weekend.
• Gala: Nearly gone but still beautiful, Gala are a great eating apple.
• Jonagold: Those who know them love them. Jonagold are a sweet/tart apple with stark contrast between green and bright red skin. 
• Empire: These crisp, juicy apples appear deep purple on the trees but polish to red when picked. Bursting with flavour, Empire can also be used for baking
• Red Delicious: A perennial favourite, Red Delicious are best enjoyed freshly picked! Their impressive size and dark red colour are stunning.
• Cortland: A popular choice for salads, fresh eating and baking, Cortland are a powerhouse in the kitchen. Their large size mean less peeling and coring, and the their texture is a welcome addition to a crisp or pie.

We have pre-picked Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Northern Spy, Ambrosia and Russet available at the market. Also picking this week is the last of the Cortland, Macoun, Crimson Crisp, Blondee and Spartan. There are plenty Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Crispin (Mutsu), Idared, Shizuka.

Thanksgiving just wouldn't be complete without a trip to the orchard. That's why we are open all three days of the long weekend! At Nature's Bounty, we love that so many families make apple picking a part of their annual fall tradition. This week and weekend offers some of the best selection for apples and pumpkins as nearly everything is ready for picking. Check out the list below for some of the top picks for this weekend.

• Ambrosia: Move over Honeycrisp, Ambrosia is back! One of the best eating apples of the season, we have plenty of Ambrosia available. 
• Northern Spy: Spies for Pies! The season's best baking apple is now available (pre-picked only) at the farm market through the week and the front gate this weekend.
• Gala: There are still Gala for picking and what's left has developed beautiful colour and incredible sweetness. Get them before they're gone.
• Jonagold: Those who know them love them. Jonagold are a sweet apple with stark contrast between green and bright red. 
• Empire: These crisp, juicy apples appear deep purple on the trees but polish to red when picked. Bursting with flavour, Empire can also be used for baking
• Red Delicious: A perennial favourite, Red Delicious are best enjoyed freshly picked! Their impressive size and dark red colour are stunning.
• Cortland: A popular choice for salads, fresh eating and baking, Cortland are a powerhouse in the kitchen. Their large size mean less peeling and coring, and the their texture is a welcome addition to a crisp or pie.

Also picking this week is the last of the McIntosh and Silken, as well as Golden Delicious, Macoun, Crispin (Mutsu), Crimson Crisp, Spartan, and Blondee. For your convenience, we will also be offering bagged McIntosh, Honeycrisp and Northern Spy apples at the cash.